Maple Ridge, B.C., Nov. 8, 2024 — With storm season underway, the City of Maple Ridge is reaching out to residents living in the floodplain of the North and South Alouette rivers to encourage proactive flood readiness. Information on emergency planning and flood response is being mailed to households in the area, and all residents are invited to sign up for a free ‘Be Emergency Ready’ workshop.
"The recent rainfall event in October served as a powerful reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness," said Mayor Ruimy. "We want our community to be ready for severe weather events, especially those who may be directly impacted by flood risks."
Stay Informed and Be Prepared
Residents are encouraged to review the information included in the mailout, which provides guidance on creating an emergency plan, gathering essential supplies, and preparing for potential utility outages or evacuation orders; and includes a map outlining areas that could be affected by flooding.
Sign Up for Free Be Emergency Ready Workshop
The City is hosting a series of free ‘Be Emergency Ready’ workshops at the Albion Community Centre and Maple Ridge Library, where residents can learn about flood preparedness, emergency kits, and creating a family emergency plan. The workshops are open to residents in all areas.
Available Dates at Albion Coommunity Centre - 24165 104 Ave.
- Tuesday, Nov. 19 Session 1 (3:00 – 4:30 p.m.) Session 2 (5:00 - 6:45p.m.)
- Wednesday Dec. 11 Session 1 (3:00 – 4:30 p.m.) Session 2 (5:00 - 6:45p.m.)
- Thursday Jan. 9 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday Feb. 18 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday Mar. 18 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Available Dates at the Maple Ridge Public Library - 22470 Dewdney Trunk Road
- Tuesday Jan. 14 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday Feb. 11 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday Mar 11 2:00 p.m.
“These workshops are a great way for residents to connect with their community and get the tools and knowledge you need to stay safe when an emergency happens,” said Edd Bennett, the City’s Emergency Program Manager.
Space is limited - register at City of Maple Ridge Emergency Readiness Events - 2 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Flood Readiness Efforts
The City is committed to reducing flood risks and ensuring public safety through various efforts:
- Monitoring and Forecasting: The City operates a network of rainfall gauges and hydrological sensors, working closely with provincial and federal agencies to track water levels and forecast potential flood conditions.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Bridges over the North and South Alouette on 232 Street were reconstructed and debris was cleared from the North Alouette Creek bed at the 224 Street bridge.
- Proactive Mitigation: The City routinely inspects and maintains drainage infrastructure, including culverts, dikes, and pump stations, especially before and during storm events.
Be Prepared for Emergencies of All Kinds
Flooding and severe weather events are increasingly common, making preparedness essential. The
City encourages all residents to:
- Know the Risks - Review flood maps at MapleRidge.ca/Flood
- Make a Plan - Create a family emergency plan including arrangements for pets
- Gather Supplies - for at least 72 hours to a week.
For more information, residents can visit MapleRidge.ca/Flood and register for updates through the Alert Maple Ridge app at MapleRidge.ca/Alert.
For more information emergency readiness, visit MapleRidge.ca/EmergencyReadiness or contact the City’s Emergency Program at EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T: 604-466-4319 C: 778-955-4249